Sen. Kyl: A Fighter for Lowering Estate Tax Rates

The Arizona Republican has been the key figure in pressing to lower the federal levy on inherited wealth. He scored significant, if temporary, victories on the issue, helping to preserve a one-year repeal of the tax in 2010, and striking a deal with President Barack Obama to set the estate tax rate at 35% for 2011 and 2012.

Mr. Kyl irked conservative opponents of the estate tax by working with former Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D., Ark.) on a proposal that would permanently set estate tax rates at 35%, and exempt the first $5 million of inherited wealth. The culmination of that fight was the deal with Obama last December to enact the Lincoln-Kyl compromise for two years.

But the deal is likely to come under pressure when it comes up for renewal in 2012, at a time when lawmakers of both parties will be looking for ways to reduce the deficit…